One of the things I promised myself I would do was update the blog, when I had release information. Well, I have release info for Phantom Warriors: Talon. The book should be out within the next 24 to 48 hours. Like the other Phantom Warriors’ books, this one is a stand-alone story–a long novella (a little over 25K) to be exact with an added sneak peek at the end. Here is the quick blurb:

Lynn Regis wasn’t looking for anything but her newly released condors, when she hiked into the Grand Canyon National Park. The last thing the plus-sized beauty expected to find was a sexy as sin man, with eyes as sharp as a hawk, bent on seducing her.

Talon knew Lynn was mate material the moment he laid eyes on her. With only three days to convince that they’re meant for each other, this determined raptor will have to use every strategy in his well-stocked, sensual arsenal. Good thing Phantom Warriors always come prepared.

Below is the cover for the new book:

Speaking of new releases, Bernard DeLeo’s book, COLD BLOODED was finally released by Wild Child Publishing. Please show him love for all the support he’s given throughout the years.

Since I’m in an updating mood, I thought I’d fill you in on how my backlist/new work Indie publishing journey is going. As many of you know (because I’ve written about it on my blog before) when I first started Indie publishing, the sales were how shall I put this…less than stellar. I admit I was somewhat disappointed. My expectations were not to sell like J.A. Konrath–at least not at first–but I had hoped to make more than I was making from my e-publishers and N.Y. publishers.

I experienced slow gradual growth over the first five months, then things kind of leveled out. This was the point where I started questioning whether I’d done the right thing. Fortunately, I stuck with it and kept writing. Sales started to uptick for me last month. My sales went from averaging 500 to 800 ebooks a month (which is okay, but not great) to surpassing 3000. Other than continuing to write, I really didn’t do anything to promote my work. I think what helped was word of mouth and the algorithms on Amazon finally catching my books. This is NOT happening at Barnes & Noble. My NOOK sales rarely move beyond 200 to 300 a month. It doesn’t matter how many books I release there, nothing changes.

I have no idea if sales will continue like this, drop, or grow. I think that I’ll have a better idea of what’s going to happen within the next few months. Until then, I’ve decided to focus on the one thing I do have control over–the writing. I have two more Phantom Warrior stories planned, a Lords of the Night story, and another YA. Right now, I’m looking for a professional editor to go through the YA. Once I hire one, then I’ll re-edit the book and start the long submission process.

I’m sure some of you are asking yourselves, “Why would I do that?” The answer is simple, right now I don’t believe epubbing YA books is the best way to go. There are still more YA readers picking up physical books than there are buying the e-versions. Will that change? Yep! It sure will. BUT it hasn’t changed yet. So until it does, I believe N.Y. (or Amazon) is the best place for my Young Adult novels.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas (even if that’s not what you celebrate) and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year! Ho! Ho! Ho!